Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR all intents and purposes, the just-concluded Namibia T20 Tri-Series was a resounding success.
Tipped as a precursor to the Africa Cup — a six-team continental tournament modelled on the Asia Cup format — Zimbabwe, South Africa, and hosts Namibia put on quite the show, offering a glimpse of what could be possible.
South Africa walked away winners after a convincing 48-run victory over Zimbabwe in Sunday’s final at the Namibia Cricket Grounds.
Zimbabwe did just enough to make the final, while Namibia showed they are no pushovers, pushing the Chevrons to the limit in both meetings and even shocking South Africa in the series opener.
With South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia co-hosting the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Africa Cricket Association want a permanent continental T20 event to boost standards, sponsorship, and broadcast deals.
South Africa’s buy-in is key, and their participation signals room for CSA to use an Africa T20 Cup as a breeding ground for fringe and upcoming talent.
“A very disappointing performance”
For Zimbabwe, the tri-series was an eye-opener. Chevrons coach Justin Sammons was not pleased with his team’s performance, both in the final and throughout the tournament.
“A very disappointing performance indeed. Throughout the tournament, I thought we played some really good cricket in phases, but we couldn’t string enough of those phases together,” Sammons said.
“When we did have a bad phase, it was a proper blowout in such a way that it made it very difficult to come back. Going forward, we have to make sure that when we go through a phase, we are able to not let the opposition get too far ahead.”
Zimbabwe saved one of their worst performances for the final. South Africa dominated in every department to secure a 48-run win — the third time in eight days the Proteas beat Zimbabwe, with margins of 7 wickets, 43 runs, and now 48. Given this was an experimental South African side, Zimbabwe have plenty to think about.
An 84-run opening stand between Connor Esterhuizen and Jordan Hermann set the tone after South Africa won the toss and elected to bat.
A 47-run fifth-wicket partnership between Rubin Hermann and Dewald Brevis then pushed them to 205/5. Zimbabwe’s seamers struggled.
Blessing Muzarabani was economical with 0/25 in four overs but went wicketless for the first time in the series. Newman Nyamhuri and Brad Evans claimed two apiece.
The chase collapsed early. Zimbabwe were 25/4 in the fourth over and 57/6 in the ninth, staring at one of their lowest T20 totals.
A 52-run ninth-wicket stand between Brad Evans and Kundai Matigumu provided late resistance. Evans finished with a career-best 56_ and took his series tally to 10 wickets, but it was too little, too late.
“Our skill level was below par in the final, and generally throughout the series,” Sammons said.
“And we need to keep working on trying to upskill the guys as much as possible because you can see the deficit when you play the bigger teams.
““Brad Evans has been superb, puts a lot of time and energy into his game, and it is good to see him reaping the rewards.
“He deserves it,” he said.
Australia next
Zimbabwe have little time to reset. A three-match ODI series against Australia starts on September 15-20 at Harare Sports Club.
It’s part of Australia’s Southern Africa tour and key preparation for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where they are defending champions.
“We know that they (Australia) are going to be extremely difficult to beat and will come in with a super strong squad. They will definitely put us to the test, but it is a great opportunity for the guys to keep improving,” Sammons said.
“At least going into the Australia series, we are coming off some competitive cricket, and that always helps in terms of intensity. I just want us to play good cricket against Australia and really compete in all three aspects.”
